Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb insists the North East club are keen to tie Mark Viduka to a longer deal, with talks scheduled to start after the close of the January transfer window.
The Australian international is out of contract at the end of the current season and his agent, Steve Kutner, stated on Tuesday morning that Viduka was 'resigned' to leaving The Riverside after failing to receive a new offer from the club.
West Ham are believed to be interested in the former Leeds striker but Boro boss Gareth Southgate has always maintained he is determined to keep Viduka on Teesside for the rest of the season and beyond.
In response to Kutner's comments, Lamb has now confirmed that contract talks will get underway once the January transfer window comes to a close.
"Both Mark and Steve Kutner are well aware of our position, and that is that we want to extend his contract beyond its expiry in the summer," said Lamb.
"Gareth could not have made his admiration for Mark more clear and both Mark and the fans know the manager wants him to stay.
"With all of its attendant issues brought on by the transfer window, January is not the time to sit down and discuss the future of a player already under contract.
"Everyone is aware of the difficult season we have had so far. Players and staff are dedicating all of their time and energy to our improving position on the pitch.
"Once the transfer window is closed, we will be only too pleased to sit down with Mark's advisor to discuss his future."